Programme Specialist, Climate Change

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to addressing issues related to population and development, sexual and reproductive health, and gender equality, with a mission to promote the rights of individuals and ensure that everyone has access to the necessary resources and support to lead healthy lives. UNFPA's Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 outlines its commitment to addressing complex global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, focusing on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The Programme Specialist position is situated within the UNFPA Programme Division, specifically under the supervision of the Chief of the Population and Development Branch (PDB). This role is pivotal in leading UNFPA's engagement with various stakeholders on climate change, providing strategic, technical, and policy guidance on climate change adaptation. The incumbent will focus on the interconnections between climate action, demographic resilience, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and youth leadership. The Specialist will coordinate UNFPA's climate action initiatives and gender-responsive adaptation efforts, supporting policy advocacy at global, regional, and country levels. The role requires a strong commitment to integrating gender-responsive approaches into climate adaptation strategies and ensuring that youth engagement is prioritized in all initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including leading policy analysis on climate change adaptation, demographic resilience, SRHR, and gender equality. This involves commissioning and overseeing assessments to strengthen the evidence base on climate change impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth. The Specialist will design and promote innovative solutions for climate adaptation, develop global guidelines, and provide expert advice to government partners on integrating SRHR into national climate strategies. Additionally, the role includes driving the implementation of UNFPA's Strategic Plan climate commitments, leading capacity-building initiatives, and ensuring the integration of climate adaptation considerations across various sectors. The Specialist will also engage in high-level policy dialogues, advocate for increased climate finance, and cultivate partnerships with key stakeholders to support gender-responsive climate adaptation efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in social science, health, international development, environmental/climate studies, public policy, or related fields. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme management and coordination, particularly in climate change, SRHR, and policy advocacy, is required. At least three years of this experience should be at the international level. Proven expertise in designing and delivering training on climate change and SRHR, as well as experience in policy dialogue and partnership building with various stakeholders, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to translate complex evidence into actionable policy recommendations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s level) in relevant fields such as social science, health, international development, environmental or climate studies, public policy, or other related social sciences. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and its intersection with population dynamics and health issues.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in programme management and coordination, particularly in areas related to climate change, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and policy advocacy. At least three years of this experience must be at the international level, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex global issues and engage with diverse stakeholders effectively. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading strategic engagements in key climate platforms and forums, as well as experience in evaluating the intersections of climate change with other global population megatrends.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and for international collaboration. Knowledge of another UN language is considered desirable and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics.